Maureen clocks up 20 years

We at CLDF are indebted to our volunteers who give up so much of their time to ensure we keep vital services going. This year, Maureen, one of our office volunteers, celebrates 20 years with the charity.

I first became aware of liver disease in children back in 1995 when my husband Maurice was with West Midlands Fire Service and a fireman from Swansea, Steve, had to rush up to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with his wife, Tina, because his young son, Daniel, was seriously ill with liver disease and needed a transplant.

As only one parent could stay at the hospital, Swansea Fire Service asked if their colleagues at West Midlands could accommodate Steve. He stayed at Ladywood fire station where Maurice was the Station Officer and got to know him. Sadly, although Daniel had a transplant, he only lived for a few days. I had been running a Christmas catalogue over several years for the Guides and another charity, so that year we decided to donate the money to CLDF which meant I was on their mailing list.

In 2001 I saw a request for volunteers in CLDF’s magazine. As I had retired then, I contacted the office and the rest, as they say, is history. I've always enjoyed going in, catching up with the permanent staff and meeting the trustees every year. It’s also interesting to see the progress made in treatment over 20 years. I worked in a biochemistry laboratory, so it was interesting to learn more about liver disease.

Maureen has been volunteering for CLDF for 20 years.

Although we’ve not been in the office since March 2020, all of us volunteers have still been playing our part. Louise and Jessica have been bringing me the components to enable me to make up information packs - at the moment, I have five boxes of Yellow Alert materials! It’s great to do something meaningful for a charity in this way and 20 years on I am so glad answered that call for volunteers.

In Memorium Donations support for the future

Jane and Reu

We are always particularly touched when a family chooses to raise funds for CLDF at a time of loss.

Rachael describes her sister, Jane, as both aunty and second mother to her son Reu, now 31, who received a liver transplant following sudden acute liver failure when he was just seven years old. “It was a very traumatic time, but Jane was a rock for us all and continued to be so ever since, says Rachael. “She was someone who always put others first and was a particular champion and cheerleader for Reu. We were devastated to lose Jane in January this year. She would have been a big part of Reu’s wedding day in October. “Jane chose not to have a funeral, but we printed memorial cards to send to family and friends and, as CLDF have always been there for us, we asked for donations as a celebration of the bond which she and Reu had. I know she would have been delighted that we raised £220. ”

A huge thank you to Rachael and to all families who think of CLDF at such a sad time. It is hugely appreciated.